ANA Issues Strong Response to ICANN, Underscoring Widespread Industry Concerns Regarding Top-level Domain Proposed program

NEW YORK( Aug. 10, 2011) — 

"We are not surprised by ICANN's response although disappointed that ICANN chose to defend its process and deny any doubt as to consensus. Rather, ICANN needs to respond to the real concern from the brand owner community. There is no question that this Program will increase brand owners' costs by billions of dollars. We should not be debating if 40 or 45 comment periods were held; instead, ICANN should be justifying its economic analysis regarding the Program against the staggering costs to brands. ANA welcomes further discussions and an opportunity for further economic study to quantify the need for more TLDs and what it will mean for industry and other stakeholders, such as the public interest community who will face the same brand dilution concerns.”

- Bob Liodice, President and CEO, ANA

“Now is not the time for either side to 'dig in its heels' much less defend the process, especially in a depressed economy. ANA has raised real concerns regarding economic losses, brand dilution and resultant privacy / cyber-security harms. In light of our shared goals of a safe and stable global internet, ICANN should return to the negotiating table and work with all concerned parties, including the ANA and its members, to resolve brand owners' legitimate concerns in a manner consistent with ICANN's consensus obligations."
- Doug Wood, ANA’s General Counsel, Reed Smith LLP

About the ANA

The ANA (Association of National Advertisers) accelerates growth for marketing professionals, brands, and the entire industry. With a mission to shape the future of marketing, the ANA sets the agenda for the industry, connecting its members to unparalleled expertise, industry-leading resources, and an influential global network. Representing over 1,600 companies — including 1,000+ client-side marketers, 600 marketing solutions providers, and 20,000 brands — ANA members collectively influence $400 billion in annual marketing spending. By championing the 12-point ANA Growth Agenda and the CMO Growth Council, the ANA drives actionable change, empowers marketers, shapes the marketing ecosystem, and delivers exceptional experiences at every touchpoint. Since 1910, the ANA has been setting the agenda for industry transformation. It enables marketers to advance their ambitions, make better decisions, and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.

Press Contacts:

Luna Newton
CooperKatz & Co. for the ANA
lnewton@cooperkatz.com
917.595.3061

Shoshana Hochdorf
CooperKatz & Co. for the ANA
shochdorf@cooperkatz.com
917.595.3054